Chapter 10: The Adventure of the Blossoming Magician
'Whoooosh.' The waves roll back and forth as my vision is obscured by a misty fog. I had seen this sight before, and that's why I knew what was within the mist, a man. But not just any man, someone with arms that are the size of my head, and legs that are the size of my body. If I were to say that the man had an impressive physique would have been an understatement.
But why? Why am I seeing this man again within my dreams? Do I have some connection with him? He does look strangely familiar. It's almost as if he's a grown-up Rid-nah, couldn't be. I must be imagining things. Even still, if only I could be as strong as him, or perhaps Indy. Then maybe… just maybe… I'll be able to claim the Holy Grail… and resurrect fath-
"RISE AND SHINE!" An all too familiar voice yelled out from the top of their lungs as the blankets were ripped off of me and I was forcibly awoken from my dreams. I then turned my head to see the cheeky idiot in all his glory.
"Rider… RIDER! I'M GONNA KI-KYAAAA!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as I was about to annihilate my Servant's grin along with the rest of him off the face of the earth. But before I could, I fell off my bed with a scream and landed face-first onto the ground.
"You're gonna what? Let me guess… hmm… I know! You were going to kiss me! Well, I'll happily oblige!" Rider spoke as he stuck out his lips. Is he for real?! Oh, I'm so going to get him back for that!
"HOW ABOUT YOU KISS MY FIST!" I shouted at the top of my lungs once more as my fist landed right onto Rider's face and specifically his lips. Time slowed down as if someone took a picture with a camera the very moment my fist connected with Rider's face. And before I knew it-
"WWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Rider screamed at the top of his lungs as he was sent hurtling outside and vanished from my line of sight. It's not that I broke my window, I don't have that ridiculous kind of strength, but that idiot does. There's still a hole where my window used to be because that guy thought it was a great idea to destroy it so that he could fight Indy's Servant…
… That all happened a few days ago, and it still hasn't been fixed.
"Jeez. I'm going to get hypothermia at this rate." I muttered to no one in particular as my entire body was shivering. I picked up my blankets in a jiffy and wrapped them all around my body. Even though I couldn't see what was in front of me, I felt so much better.
'Ah, if only it could be this warm all the time.' I thought internally as I walked out of my room and attempted to go downstairs. However, even though I have lived in this house all my life, I couldn't exactly keep my sense of balance in check, the result was, well, you could where this is going even though I can't.
"KYAAAAAAA!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I tripped and tumbled down the stairs. Thankfully, I was wrapped in my blanket, so they broke my fall. It still hurt quite a bit though.
"Ow." I groaned in pain as I felt like I had bruises all over my body. I just put my body through unnecessary hardship all because I was cold. Am I an idiot? Or has Rider been rubbing off on me? If I'm being honest with myself, maybe a bit of both. I'm still blaming him for all this. This would never have happened if he had never broken my bedroom window. Also, who does he think he is ripping the bedsheets off of me while I was sleeping?! And then, he has the audacity to even consider that 'I' wanted to kiss him?! Only men would take advantage of a fair maiden when's she in distress. But there's something even worse than a man who doesn't know his boundaries. A child who thinks he is a man. I'm more of an adult than he'll ever be.
"That guy is seriously the worst." I muttered to myself as I stood up from the floor. But then to my utmost surprise-
"Hey Takina. You know you're the pot calling the kettle black, right?" Rider spoke as my eyes shot wide open. Oh, why am I even surprised? That guy can tank a wound the size of a baseball. It's no surprise that he's fine after falling from the second floor of my house. But what really surprised me was Rider's choice of words.
"… What does that even mean?" I replied with a bewildered look on my face. She wasn't just saying this, Takina had no clue what Rider meant. After all, Takina Tohsaka is a child, a child who still has plenty to learn about the world as well as idioms for that matter.
"Huh? Do you have a funny bone in you? What I just said was 'comedy gold!' Hahaha!" Rider laughed loudly as he poked me in my chest. This went on for a few seconds until he touched somewhere he really shouldn't have.
"Takina… I'm sorr- Rider spoke but before he could finish his sentence-
'BAM! WAM! BOP! BOOOOOOOM!' My fist had already slammed onto his head over and over like a game of whack-a-mole. Except, my fist was the mallet, and his head was the mole. This sent him six feet underground. Or at least I wish it did.
"You better be." I muttered as a vein bulged from my forehead as I thought a single thing on repeat. 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the worst.' 'Guys are the wor-
"Morning, Takina. I made breakfast." Indy spoke as my thought process was broken and I was brought back to reality. Not just by his words, but also by the aroma that was tantalizing to my nose. I immediately focused all of my attention onto the food in the kitchen. I couldn't even see what had been made but my mouth was watering already. But before I could do anything-
"Food?! Oh boy!" Rider yelled out as he leaped into the air, did a somersault midair, and landed on his feet in the kitchen without even breaking a sweat. If this were a competition and I were the judge of it, then I would be lying if I didn't give him a '10' for how well he pulled that off. But as his Master, I was more annoyed than anything.
"Showoff." I muttered as I stared at Rider who already had a plate full of food in his hands. It looks like those punches of mine had no effect because he looks perfectly fine. I'm not even surprised anymore. I could see a truck hitting this guy and he just gets up like nothing happened. I'm sure even a plane wouldn't make a dent on him.
"Huh? What's this?" I blurted out with a confused expression on my face as there was already a plate of food on the kitchen counter for me. However, the food in question was peculiar to me, to say the least. In fact, I'd never seen it before in my life. It was flat, but at the same time, it kind of looked fluffy? What is this?
"You've never seen pancake before?" Indy asked with a bewildered look on his face. So, that's what it's called. Yeah. Nope. Doesn't ring a bell.
"What the heck's a pancake?" I replied with a bewildered expression of my own. But then, I felt someone grasp my shoulder.
"Takina, you've never eaten a pancake before?! Oh, you poor soul… if you don't want it, you can give it to me." Rider spoke as he attempted to take my plate away from me, but I clenched it hard and refused to let go over my dead body.
"I did not ask for your pity. And there's no way in hell I'm giving it to you. Eat your own first, will ya?" I replied with an annoyed look on my face.
"Already did." Rider replied as he somehow scarfed down an entire… 'pancake' in the time it took me to walk roughly ten steps into the kitchen. Not going to lie, even after all of Rider's insane feats, that's got to be one of his most impressive. Still not going to let him have my food.
"Well, you got your share. This is mine. If you want more then ask Indy for some more." I replied as I walked over to the table and sat down. But I didn't get a response. This confused me since that idiot always makes it his mission to annoy me. I then looked at Rider who had a look of bewilderment all over his face, and so did the man behind him?
"Huh? Was it something I said?" I asked as I blinked my eyes over and over while thinking what could have incurred this reaction.
"You called me… Indy?" Jones asked.
"Yeah. What? Did you like it better when I called you geezer?" I asked while avoiding eye contact with him out of embarrassment.
"Looks like you still got that sharp tongue, brat." Indy replied with an annoyed look on his face. But I wasn't paying attention to him anymore. I was solely focused on the food in front of me. But upon looking at it I noticed something brown and gooey on the pancake.
"What's that stuff?" I asked with a curious look on my face.
"Syrup. Trust me you'll like it." Indy replied as I decided to trust him for once. I then picked up my fork and stabbed the pancake with it.
"Eh?" I blurted out as the piece I stabbed separated from the rest of the pancake without me exerting any effort to speak of. I then opened my mouth and put the delicious-smelling food in while hoping that it was as good as its scent made it out to be. But then my eyes shot wide open as it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be-
"Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!" It was so much better! No wonder Rider finished it in a matter of seconds! It's so easy to eat! And the taste is incredible! Not to mention the syrup is so delectable! I could eat this over and over and I wouldn't ever get sick of it! I think this is the best food I ever had in my entire life! But before I knew it-
"Ah." I blurted out as the pancake had disappeared. No. It had gone down my stomach in one fell swoop. To be honest, I was kind of disappointed. I wished there was just a bit more. I then turned my head to ask Indy if there was any more, but he beat me to the punch.
"Sorry, that's all I was able to make for you." Indy admitted. Yeah. Saw that coming. I knew there wasn't going to be anymore. Even still, I hoped there would be just one more piece. Oh well. What I had was more than enough for me. After all, this is the first time in a long time someone has made a meal for me, that alone will make me treasure this moment forever and ever.
"It's ok." I replied as I tried to make eye contact but struggled and ended up looking to the ground upon uttering his name. Why did I do that? Was I still uncomfortable around him? No. That's not it. But then what was it? What's stopping me from looking at him in the eye? Before I could find an answer to that question, my thought process was interrupted by the man in question.
"But you can have some of mine." Indy spoke as he was already sitting at the table and lightly pushed his plate with a pancake on it toward me.
"… You sure?" I asked with a surprised look on my face.
"Yeah. But you can only have a few bites. This is my breakfast after all." Indy replied with a gentle smile on his face. I then looked at the pancake, grabbed my fork, and took one last bite.
"… Thanks… Indy." I replied with what was probably the first genuine smile on my face for the first time in a very long time. Indy noticed this.
"So, you can smile. For a second, I thought you could only look like you really had to use the bathroom." Indy replied with a smirk on his face. His comment made me want to say something but before I could-
"Hahaha! Nice one! Indy!" Rider yelled out as he sat by the table as well while holding a hand in the air. But Indy ignored him.
"Master. You really shouldn't say such impolite things at the dinner table. Or I guess in this case, the breakfast table?" Archer spoke as my eyes shot wide open out of shock.
"H-How long have you been here?!" I yelled out as I almost fell out of my chair.
"What?! Did you just notice me?! I've been here since before you got here!" Archer shouted as he looked like he was on the verge of crying.
"Pfft." I held a hand to my mouth as I tried to stop my laughter. But… nope. Can't do it.
"Hahaha!" I laughed loudly as I couldn't contain it. I laughed so hard that tears of joy dripped from my eyes. It's been a while since I laughed like this. I can't even remember the last time that I did. I guess my laugh was so infectious that it didn't take long for Indy and Rider to join in and laugh with me. Even Archer laughed as well. This lasted for a little while longer until-
"I never expected you to laugh like that. For a second, I thought I was going to have to use my wish for the Grail to make you laugh. Hahaha." Rider laughed with a smile on his face.
"Idiot. I can laugh like anyone else." I replied with a smile on my face. I wasn't even mad at Rider's comment. To be honest, I haven't been in this good of a mood in a long time. It was almost as if Father was home.
"Speaking of the Grail. I wonder if it's the same one as the one I found." Indy spoke as he sipped on some coffee. But this comment made everyone focus onto the man in question. And then…
"Hahaha!" Me, Rider, and even Archer laughed hysterically.
"Master… haha… that was a good one!" Archer laughed as he congratulated his Master.
"Huh?" Indy blurted out in confusion.
"No. That was amazing! You are really good at jokes! Perhaps you should try stand-up, Indy! Hahaha!" Rider replied as he slapped Indy on the back.
"But I was- Indy spoke but I cut him off before I could finish.
"Indy. That's enough… haha. I might be a bit gullible but even I know when someone's joking around when they say something that crazy. I know you have been on plenty of adventures but one involving the Holy Grail? Hahaha! That's way too absurd! It's like if you said you fought Dracula or something! Hahaha!" I spoke but found myself laughing frequently.
'Sip.' But in response, Indy continued to drink his coffee in silence and looked somewhere else. Unbeknownst to me, Indy apparently fought Dracula in Transylvania one time when he was younger. If he told me that, I might have had a heart attack on the spot out of shock.
"Hey, don't you have somewhere to be?" Indy asked as he looked at not me but something in the distance. I turned my head to look at what he was seeing and noticed the grandfather clock that read '8:13' in the morning. Huh? Was there something special about this time?
"Um… no? Why would there be?" I asked with a bewildered look on my face. But this response incurred a look of confusion from Indy.
"Wait. Don't tell me… you don't go to school?" Indy asked.
"School? No, of course not. Father requested the aid of a Mage to tutor me in everything I needed to know. It's been a while since I finished my studies and with the Holy Grail War going on, there's no need for me to learn anything." I replied matter-of-factly. However, I didn't think much of it since I did not want to remember 'that person.'
"Takina… You're going to school." Indy declared with a serious expression on my face.
"Huh? … HUH?! Are you insane?! Why would I go to school when there are enemy Masters and Servants out and about?! It would be suicide! Plus, I don't even need school! Like I said, I know everything I need to know!" I shouted as I blinked my eyes with a smile before doing a double take as my expression most certainly changed to one that was 'pissed off' at the man who said, 'You're going to school.' There's no way in hell I'm going to school!
"Ok. Try to answer this: A farmer has a rectangular field with a length of fifty meters and a width of thirty. He wants to build a fence around the field, but he wants to leave a five-meter-wide opening on one side of the field for a gate. What is the minimum length of fence that that the farmer needs to buy to enclose the field?" Indy asked with a confident expression on his face.
"… What?" I blurted out with a dumbfounded expression on my face.
"If you can't answer something that simple then you're going to school whether you like it or not." Indy replied. He was serious. That much was obvious by his face alone. I knew that there was no way I could avoid school unless I clung to the idea of it being way too dangerous outside.
"Well… there are still enemies outside. If I go, I'll probably be killed on sight. So, I can- I spoke but I was cut off before I could finish by the man in front of me.
"It's broad daylight out. They would have to be really stupid to try and do anything when there are people walking around. And before you say anything else, you can bring Rider with you. That way you'll be protected at all times." Indy replied but before I could reject his proposal-
"Yes! I always wanted to go to school! Come on, Takina! Let's go!" Rider exclaimed as he pulled me by my hand before I could utter a single word.
"Hey! At least let me put on a uniform before we go out! And you're not stepping foot in a school wearing that!" I yelled out from the living room while Indy could surely hear every word even though he was still in the kitchen. But unbeknownst to me, Indy and his Servant had a conversation behind my back.
"Master. Is this really a good idea?" Archer asked with a confused look on his face. He wanted nothing more than to believe in his Master's words. But this… this seemed out of left field. Indy noticed this and thought back to her words from a few nights ago.
'… I've been alone since the day I was born.' Combine that with Rider admitting that his Master doesn't know how to express herself all too well, and now with her being homeschooled, it all painted the picture of the girl named Takina Tohsaka being completely isolated from the outside world. Just thinking about it made the archaeologist feel bad for her. Which is why he told her to go to school in the first place.
"I know where you're coming from. But she needs this. She needs to be around kids her age. I want her to be able to be a kid for once. I'm sure that's what her father would have wanted for his daughter." Indy replied as he sipped on his coffee. However, they were being listened to by none other than Rider who was behind the wall of the kitchen and thus remained out of sight.
'That's… what I want for her too.' Rider admitted internally with a look of relief on his face. Takina's father had been killed and he too will return to the throne by the end of the Holy Grail War. But knowing that… once all of this is over… his Master will be able to get to live a life on her own terms…
… It made tears fall from his face. But upon hearing Takina walk downstairs, he quickly brushed his tears away.
"Oi Takina! That looks good on you!" Rider yelled out with a smile on his face as he gave his Master a thumbs up.
"Thanks." I replied with a nonchalant expression on my face with a shrug that matched it. Truthfully, I'd never worn it before since I never had a reason to do so. But even though I was being homeschooled, my father still got me this outfit. Was he planning to send me to a public school after all? I had no clue what his intentions were, and I could no longer ask him why he did such a thing. All I was left with was this article of clothing that was covered in dust and was a bit tight on me. But before I knew it, Rider was pulling me by my hand as he opened the door-
"Come on! What are you waiting for? Let's go, Takina!" Rider yelled out with a smile on his face as he pulled me against my will. Once again, I wasn't allowed any time to refute his wishes. But this time I didn't mind it. I was in a bit of a grouchy mood upon being forced out of bed, but now, I'm feeling excited. Excited to see where this adventure takes me. Nothing could ruin the good mood I was in. Or so I thought-
"I-I-IT'S FREEZING!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as a gust of cold air almost blew me off my feet. The school uniform did not help in the slightest from the cold as I might as well be utterly defenseless.
"You're such a drama queen! It's only like forty degrees! I think. I've been in the negative of that! And look at me! I'm perfectly okay! Hahaha!" Rider laughed in delight as he showed off his resistance to the cold by not being affected by it in the slightest. All I could think about in response to such an absurd statement was-
'I wonder if he died of hypothermia.' I thought internally with a face that was utterly dumbfounded and sweating profusely, that last part not because I was feeling hot, not in the slightest! I just didn't want to share the same cause of death as that idiot!
"Alright. I believe you. But let's go. You still need some clothes that are befitting of a student." I spoke as now I was the one pulling him along. There was no way I was going to be caught dead around this guy wearing such a ridiculous outfit, for school at least. Well, that and I wanted to get the heck out of here and somewhere warm as soon as possible.
Thankfully before I knew it, I had purchased a school uniform for Rider at a clothing store and now we were on the way to school. But while this was happening-
"Hey Takina! Check me out! This is such a cool outfit!" Rider yelled out as he kept pestering me to look at him, but I avoided meeting his gaze each time. Not because I was mad or anything, I just wanted to get somewhere that is not THIS cold!
'So cold! So cold! So cold!' I thought internally as I bolted in the direction of the school as fast as I could move my legs! But then to my utmost surprise, the school was in the distance! I was almost there! So close! And then…
'Creak.' With a creak, I made it inside of the school! Finally! Some place that isn't absolutely freezing! Which means-
"I'M FREE!" I exclaimed at the top of my lungs as I extended my arms toward the ceiling, but I then froze completely upon noticing the students in the distance staring at me as if I was some weirdo…
… Wait a second. I just said that out loud, didn't I?
"You sure did! But it was a great first impression, Takina!" Rider spoke with a cheeky grin on his face as if he read my mind while he slapped my back.
"Shut the hell up!" I snapped back with what was surely a pissed-off expression on my face. If we weren't out of place before, then we definitely were now. I can't even blame Rider for this! This is all thanks to my loud mouth!
'Damn it!' I thought internally as I wondered what I was going to do next. No. There was only one thing to do. I'm wearing a school uniform after all, so all I have to do is blend in with the crowd of students! Easy-peasy if I do say so myself! I gave Rider a look that meant 'If you screw things up, you're dead.' And he gave me a thumbs up with a smile. Hopefully, he understood my thoughts like he did before, or I'll be the one wishing I was dead out of embarrassment.
'Ah!' I gasped internally upon noticing some students enter a classroom. Yes! This is my chance! I'll just follow behind them and then it will look like I'm just like them! It's so perfect that I would hug myself if that were possible. I followed in suit while checking if Rider was close behind, thankfully he was. Okay. So far, so good. Now if we could just get in the classroom then we'll be home fr-
"And where do you think you're going, young girl?" A voice asked as my entire body froze. No. It couldn't be. I was so close. Why now?! I felt like I had no choice but to look in the direction of where the voice came from. They definitely called out for me. Even still, I silently wished for that to not be the case. However, all those hopes were dashed away upon noticing the person who spoke who was undoubtedly staring at me and no one else.
"Um… I… there must be some mistake." I spoke with what was surely nervousness all over my face. It was such an obvious lie that the person in front of me didn't bat an eye. The person in question was undoubtedly a professor who wore clothes befitting one with such a prestigious occupation. He also had blonde hair and glasses. But those details didn't make me nervous in the slightest. No. It was his stern expression that reminded me of-
'You mustn't ever ask for help! For a Mage to do such a thing would be an insult to all of their ancestors who came before!' That person… my tutor. I instinctively closed my eyes in response as I awaited the dreaded pain to return as the result of my questioning of the professor. But before that could happen-
"Professor. There really does seem to be a mistake. The truth is that we are exchange students." Rider spoke up as he put a hand on my shoulder while I opened my eyes and saw an expression brimming with confidence. I was flabbergasted by all of this. Rider was one to speak informally and say whatever was on his mind. But now he's acting proper all of a sudden?! Where the heck did that come from?!
"E-Exchange students?! I haven't heard of such a thing! And you two are both so young! For you two to both be exchange students, it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" The professor replied with an annoyed expression on his face as he was completely convinced this must be a lie. It was and he was right on the money. However, what happened next would truly be surprising-
"Professor Takano!" Someone called out as the Professor's eyes went wide with shock upon hearing them. Me and Rider both turned our heads to notice a man who was undoubtedly the same one who called out to the professor.
"The Dean?! What in blazes are you doing here?!" Professor Takano yelled out as he looked like he was about to collapse like a bunch of dominos. The man was literally sweating buckets. Just what the heck has him so worked up? But before I could utter a word-
"I'm here to inform you that you will be expecting two exchange students. Oh, these two must be them. For a second, I was worried that they must have gotten lost given how expansive the campus is. Well, no matter, enjoy your studies, good fellows." The Dean spoke with a smile and before I knew it, he was gone like the wind.
'Y-You've got to be kidding me.' I thought internally as that turn of events seemed way too convenient. I'm a bit of a pessimist so whenever an absurd amount of good fortune comes my way then bad luck must not be far off. But for now, I should try and be a bit optimistic.
"Ahem. That's right. We both are exchange students. My name is Takina Tohsaka and this is… Alexander Tohsaka. A distant relative of mine. He has come from a far-off land, and he expects to be treated with common courtesy, isn't that right, Alexander?" I spoke with a confident expression on my face as I used this twist of good luck to my advantage. Upon looking at Rider he noticed what I was doing and played along.
"You are quite right Takina. I have come all the way from Greece! To show someone like me who has traveled far and wide to attend this lovely school such disrespect… you should be ashamed of your Professor Takano!" Rider declared as he pointed at the professor!
'Whoooosh!' Just then a gust of wind came out of nowhere and hit Takano right in the face!
"GAH!" Takano shrieked as he collapsed onto the ground like a house of playing cards!
"Eh?" Rider uttered with a mischievous grin on his face.
"Perhaps you laid it on a bit too thick." I replied with a whisper as Rider cocked his head to look at me. His face said it all to the point that he didn't even need to say what he wanted to say out loud. It was that obvious. What he meant to say was-
"Oops." Rider replied with a cheeky grin. But that didn't detract from the good mood I was in, not in the slightest actually. In fact, the professor falling made me almost giggle out loud though I managed to hold it in, albeit barely. I then extended a hand toward Professor Takano but before he could grasp my hand-
"What do you think you're doing, Takina?! A fine lady such as yourself, should allow a man to do any needless exercise. Step aside. I shall handle this." Rider spoke with a confident expression on his face as he lightly brushed my hand away and extended his hand forward to meet Takano's hand. I was frozen in disbelief over this. Seriously-
'Why can't Rider act like this all the time?!' I thought internally with what was surely a dumbfounded expression on my face. But can you blame me?! He's acting so proper right now! Literally the perfect Servant! If he could only do this all the time, then my life would be so much easier! Damn you, Rider! I knew you were messing with me! I'm so gonna kick your ass for this!
"Thank you, Mr. Tohsaka. I cannot believe that I acted so improperly to someone who has come such a long way. Please, allow me to hold the door open for you." Takano spoke with a smile on his face as he might as well be kissing Rider's feet right about now.
"Why thank you, now you are a kind gentleman, if I do say so myself, Professor Takano." Rider declared with a smile on his face as he walked inside the classroom with what was surely a smug look on his face.
"Me? A kind gentleman? Oh, you shouldn't have." Takano muttered with a bashful expression on his face all the while I was unamused by Rider's politeness as I now knew whenever he acted like an idiot and all the times he pissed me off were just him messing with me. You know, I should have seen that coming, but it still stings a bit.
"Ah." I uttered in surprise as my scowl surely vanished upon looking at the classroom before me. It wasn't very different than what I was expecting. It was just your average classroom, complete with wooden desks. Even still, looking at them made me feel like a normal girl for once. Maybe, just for today, I don't have to be the heir to the Tohsaka lineage, Takina Tohsaka, but just Takina.
'That wouldn't be so bad, right?' I thought internally with a smile on my face as I walked over to where Rider was seated and sat in the chair next to his. You know, I could get used to this. This isn't so bad-
"Excuse me. Those are our seats you are sitting in." A voice went through my ears as I tilted my head and noticed a pair of students with looks on their faces that made it clear that they were not happy in the slightest. Well, I should have known. It was too good to be true. I guess I'm Fated to be Takina Tohsaka until the last day I draw breath. But as my pessimistic side took over, Rider stood up from his seat.
"I see. My apologies. Both me and my cousin will move. Hey, what's that over there?" Rider asked as he pointed toward a window. The pair of students then looked outside the window but upon closer inspection, there was nothing to speak of.
"What are you-gah!" The same student who had told us that we had stolen their seats spoke, but Rider ignored him and was checking if anyone besides his Master was watching. With the coast clear, the student along with his classmate were then knocked out of the window by Rider. Wait…
… WHAT?!
"Rider?! Why did you just do that?!" I almost yelled out but stopped myself from doing so in order to prevent any needless attention from the other students in this classroom or even worse the professor. But Rider looked at me with a mischievous look on his face as I could faintly hear the screams of the two students who were forced out of the window.
"See? They are just fine." Rider replied with a smile as he closed his eyes. But right after that, I heard one of them say 'My leg!' For Rider to do something so… reckless, right after he was acting carefully so as to not alert the professor that we were not students drove me crazy!
"Why you little!" I spoke as I grabbed Rider's cheeks and began pinching them! I then yanked them a bit to teach that reckless idiot a lesson!
"Ow! That hurts! You're hurting me, Takina! Waaaaaah!" Rider spoke as he cried crocodile tears but that didn't stop me. In fact, it only made me even more pissed off as I tugged at his cheeks even harder! But we were noticed by the professor.
"Takina? Is Alexander all right?" Takano asked with a worried expression on his face. His words going through my eardrums made me instantly let go of Rider's cheeks and put my hands behind my back.
"Oh, nothing. Alexander just had a bug on his face. I made sure that he didn't get bitten, that's all. Isn't that right, Alex?" I spoke with a smile on my face as I turned to face Rider. Upon noticing the look in my eyes, he played along.
"T-That's right… Takina. Thanks for getting rid of that bug." Rider replied as I made sure that my eyes stared daggers into him and made it clear that something bad would happen if he were to cross me.
'T-Takina is scary when she's angry.' Rider thought internally with a nervous smile on his face. But the professor thought nothing of it and went toward the chalkboard at the front of the room to write something while me and Rider sat back down. But upon finishing what he was writing, he turned to face the class.
"Everyone, can you tell me what a parasite is?" The professor asked with a relaxed look on his face. To be honest, I had no clue what class me and Rider just stepped into, but I knew full well the answer to such a basic question. I raised my hand in response and upon seeing my extended arm, the professor gave me the go-ahead to respond.
"A parasite is an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species to use them as a host. The parasite would then benefit from this by deriving nutrients from the other's expense." I answered with a confident expression on my face.
"That's exactly right. A parasite seeks to benefit by coexisting with another organism. Thus, it never sacrifices anything for its survival, it only takes and takes until there is nothing else to take. Now what if we were to take this a step further and say that this parasite could only live in a specific habitat? What would happen next, Ms. Tohsaka?" Professor Takano asked. I did not expect him to call on me nor did I know the answer to the question off the top of my head. So, I thought about it a bit before coming to its natural conclusion.
"It would make sure that its host stays in the habitat of their choice. I assume if the host were to leave then the parasite would do everything in its power to ensure that the host stays where it can live. After all, a parasite only takes and never reciprocates in its relationship with the host." I replied as a few seconds ago, I didn't know the answer but before I knew it the words came out of my mouth. The students around me were shocked over how quick I was to respond. Even the professor was, but his surprise soon became a smile as he had found a like-minded individual.
"That's precisely it. Many people are quick to assume that they wouldn't be able to prevent the wishes of the host, considering that most parasites are small organisms that are inviable to the human eye. But it is a lot easier than they might think. I assume you know the answer as to why, Ms. Tohsaka?" Professor Takano asked with a confident look on his face as once again he left the answer to me, an exchange student no less. It was as if me and him were in a dance of deduction. A dance that can only end until the answer is crystal clear to everyone around us.
'Hmm… well…' I thought internally as if the entire room went pitch black, aside from a single light shining atop my head. Even though all the pressure was on me to get this answer right so that the train of logic could reach the metaphorical station, I didn't feel nervous in the slightest. There is one thing that everything needs to survive, one that a small organism would be free to manipulate given that they could reach it with ease! The answer was in sight! And knowing said answer, I didn't waste any more time to say it!
"Simple, the brain. The brain is the most important part of the body after all. Every single organism, no matter how big or small, needs one in order to decide the next course of action. Without a brain then a creature would just wander aimlessly. A parasite wouldn't be able to manipulate something without a brain! So, the only answer can be the brain!" I answered with a confident expression on my face and perhaps a smile too as I was enjoying myself greatly. And so too was the professor!
"Correct! The only way that a parasite can manipulate an organism much bigger than them is by hijacking the brain! The brain delivers orders to the rest of the body after all. For example, 'Move your arm.' The brain would then send that command to the nervous system which would then transmit a signal to the rest of the body to comply with whatever action! However, if a parasite takes control of the brain, then they would be effectively in control of whoever their host is and then be able to force them to do anything they desire!" Professor Takano spoke as he quickly drew something onto the chalkboard with the piece of chalk in his hands.
"Ah!" But upon noticing what he drew, I gasped out loud. It was the human body! Not the most detailed drawing, but it got the point across! I could already see what direction this conversation was going. No. The whole point of the conversation became clear as day! And Professor Takano noticed this!
"That's right! Let's take one final step further! What if a parasite were to hijack the brain of not some random beast, but a human being?! I can already tell that you know the answer, Ms. Tohsaka! There is nothing to fear! Divulge the answer to all of your classmates!" Professor Takano asked with a grin on his face as he awaited the answer while looking at me intently. It was as if he were staring at a flower that was about to bloom right in front of his eyes to the point that he didn't divert his attention away from me! Not even for a single second!
'Guess I don't got a choice.' I thought internally with a grin of my own as I snapped my fingers and gave him the answer he was waiting to hear!
"The brain of any animal no matter what it is would not be able to resist the parasite. It's scary to admit it, but this includes human beings. At the end of the day, humans are mammals, just like many other warm-blooded animals. This means that the parasite would have no trouble obtaining control of the human they have made its host! And if said host were to try and leave the only habitat it can live inside of… then… my god…" I spoke as if I already knew the answer just like Professor Takano said, but I was scared. Scared to say it out loud. Takano could tell this just by seeing the painful expression on my face.
"It's painful. I know that very well. Even still, finish it. You can't avert your eyes from the truth. Because if we as a species were to avoid the truth any longer then the consequences would be catastrophic! That's why I want you to say it yourself, Ms. Tohsaka!" Professor Takano spoke with a look of understanding on his face but even in spite of that, it held a serious conviction inside of it. One that would not bow their head to lies. One that sought nothing more than to reveal the truth! If I were to ignore such conviction…
… Then I would be worse the people who are unaware of the truth! That's what Professor Takano meant by what he said! And I wholeheartedly agree!
"… It would cause devastation in its path… and wouldn't stop… until its host obeyed its order even if it meant that the host in question would draw its last breath. Because if the parasite were to die… then why would it care if its host were to die as well? And with the power of a human… they would surely use whatever they had at their disposal to make sure that the human obeys to their whims!" I yelled out but that was not the entire truth! Both me and Professor Takano knew that in order to reveal the truth it meant exposing all the disturbing facts that come alongside it!
"…" Professor Takano smiled as he knew he didn't need to say another word because I would reveal the truth of the matter even if it was the last thing I do!
"… And since parasites thrive by taking control of the brain, then they would use the brain against the human! They would undoubtedly use psychological manipulation to ensure that their host, human or not, complies with their every whim! Even if it means their death or the deaths of countless other humans in the process!" I finished with a serious expression on my face as I understood the gravity of my words. If a parasite were to gain control of a human and use their brain against them-no…
… If an entire army of parasites gained complete control over a group of humans… the devastation would be utterly unprecedented. And that's exactly what Takano knew deep inside of his heart. He might have thought he was one of few people to know such a thing. But now he's not alone anymore. This whole class knows the answer and that alone is enough for him.
"Marvelous… you are truly marvelous Ms. Tohsaka. I will enjoy listening to your deductions from now on. Everyone… allow me to introduce you all to our new students. Ms. Tohsaka, if you will." Professor Takano spoke as he gave me the go-ahead to introduce myself.
"Ahem. My name is Takina Tohsaka. It's a pleasure meeting you all. Oh, and the person next to me is my distant relative, Alexander." I spoke with a smile on my face as I stood up from my seat and bowed forward at the class of students and Professor Takano.
"Hey! What am I!? Chopped liver?!" Rider yelled out with what was surely an annoyed expression on his face. But I couldn't care less because I was enjoying myself, thanks to Professor Takano for allowing me to engage in a joint reasoning with him. Oh, but I guess this wouldn't have happened if Rider hadn't saved me a few minutes ago, so thanks for once. I then sat back down and paid attention to the rest of the lecture. However, unbeknownst to me, was the fact that Professor Takano was a Master. Upon learning of this, it would change everything for the worst.
Meanwhile in an undisclosed location…
'Drip. Drip. Drip.' Rain poured down from the heavens a man who had been severely burned was being carried into a building while on a stretcher by soldiers who we all were familiar with. This all occurred as the burned man's Master Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia followed the former and his underlings in suit. Not long after that-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The burned man screamed at the top of his lungs in what was surely agonizing pain. Pieces of metal were being transplanted onto his flesh against his will. The pain was comparable to the fires of hell itself, and he wanted nothing more than for the pain to go away. But he was far too weak to resist. This went on for what felt like hours on end until the finishing touches were placed onto him. A piece of metal that was transfigured onto the left part of his face.
"Ah." The burned man gasped as vision had returned to his left eye which had been blinded by the swordsman's devastating attack. Not only this, but strength was beginning to return to his body as he could finally move his limbs once more. His Master noticed all of this.
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Lancer." Darnic spoke with a smile on his face as his Servant had been reborn. His Servant was no longer Fionn mac Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna…
… But a weapon belonging to the Third Reich, or more commonly known as Nazi Germany. He was now simply a weapon without any pride or dignity to speak of. The weapon only held one desire. To kill anything that his Master sees as an enemy. He then stood up, which alerted the doctors and worried them greatly. Darnic noticed this and put a finger to his lips. And then…
"Ha… haha… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The machine that was using the body that once belonged to Fionn mac Cumhaill laughed hysterically. His Master joined in as well as the man and the machine, the latter of which used to be a human, both laughed loudly as the Third Holy Grail War would soon change in their favor.
To Be Continued…